is there a nice way?

Philippines
March 22, 2007 1:57pm CST
my problem is this, i have a friend who's got a "foul breath" (bad breath), i want to tell her about it but i don't want to offend her in a way, i'm tired of offering her candy whenever were talking...is there a way for me to tell her without hurting her feelings?
2 people like this
8 responses
@nelly5 (1424)
• United States
22 Mar 07
I know this seems like a terrible thing to have to tell someone but if you are close friends then maybe she will be glad that it came from you and not anyone else. Actually, having bad breath all the time could be the sign of an illness. I mean if she has proper hygeine and does brush her teeth regularly then she may need to see a doctor, there could be other issues that are more severe that she will need some medication for. I believe it is very important for you to tell her because you never know what the cause of her bad breath could be. I think in the long run she will appreciate you telling her. Just be sure to tell her that you are not wanting to hurt her feelings but you are worried about what the cause of it is and that you want to save her from the embarrassment of someone else telling her.
@Beertjie (976)
• South Africa
24 Mar 07
I agree with the medical thing. I read in a womans magazine that if a person with long hair goes to bed with hair not totaly dry, it could cause bad breath.
1 person likes this
@nelly5 (1424)
• United States
26 Mar 07
Wow, well I have never heard of that, but I have heard that there could be something wrong medically if a person has bad breath all the time. I hope she gets this figured out. & you will have to let us know if you tell your friend or not.
@brckoba (795)
• United States
22 Mar 07
Well, the best way to address this problem is by telling her that you need to talk to her about something that has been bothering you. When you talk to her you can try saying: "Listen I'm your friend and I care for you and I feel that there is something I need to tell you. Your breath is kind of stinky. I'm telling you this because I don't want someone to tell you in a rude way and hurt your feelings. Okay!" Something like that. Good Luck! :)
2 people like this
• Philippines
22 Mar 07
actually, it's not just me who knows her breath stinks, some of them are even rude, whenever she opens her mouth to speak, they'll just disappear i mean, she'll be upset and ask me if they hated her, i really can't find enough courage...
1 person likes this
@Beertjie (976)
• South Africa
22 Mar 07
All the people that responded have great ways of doing it and I agree with all. One thing that I think will influence the way that you do it, is the intencity of your friendship. How good a friend is she to you and visa versa. If she is a realy good and understanding friend she will take it to heart that you care and try to help. I your friendship is not build on trust and honosty, it might be difficult to tell her. First determine your level of friendship and then decide on your appraoch. I wish you all the best. I had to tell a friend once that he stinks and because of the quality of our friendship, he took it to heart and did something about it, he started showering.
@Galena (9110)
22 Mar 07
or even just when you're both in a good mood and having a laugh about something, just go PEEEE-EEEEEW your breath stinks! because really, if a friend told me and it wasn't in a malicious way, or making a big deal about it, I wouldn't be offended.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Mar 07
you have any kids? IF so have one of them tell her and she wont take it so bad. Kids are brutly honest. If not strike up a conversation on what toothpaste she uses and tell her yours and throw in there that it fights bad breath. hope the best to ya. Or you could send a letter but dont put your name on it.
2 people like this
• United States
22 Mar 07
Yes. Just ask her if you can be honest about something. If she says yes, then just tell her "You breathe smells, but I'm saying it in a way to be cruel and I hope I didn't upset you" never know she may appreciate it.
1 person likes this
• Singapore
22 Mar 07
This is rather hard. The candy trick should be enough hint already but apparently she didn't get it. :P The next time, offer her the candy again, but perhaps you can insist she takes it and comment on how it helps to remove bad breath from people. Hopefully she will get this hint.
1 person likes this
@shisid (104)
• United States
22 Mar 07
Well I think the best way to tell her without offending her is just saying that"why don't you carry some gum with you since I always do.because you never know when we might smell bad because of all the food we eat.And it might offend the person who's talking to you.
1 person likes this